Software Engineer Salary in 2026
Software engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems and applications. They collaborate with teams to solve complex technical problems using programming languages and frameworks.
Median Salary
$121,000
$10,083/mo
Entry Level
$75,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$171,000
experienced
Job Growth
+25%
10-yr outlook
Software Engineer Overview
Software engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems and applications. They collaborate with teams to solve complex technical problems using programming languages and frameworks.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
2-4 years
Industry
Technology
Total Jobs (US)
1.8M
5-Year Growth
+21%
Category
Technology
Hourly Rate
$58.17/hr
Monthly Pay
$10,083
Software Engineer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Software Engineer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Software Engineer Salary
$138,000
$11,500/month · $5,308/biweekly · $66.35/hr
Software Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Software Engineer field.
Entry-level Software Engineers earn around $75,000, while the top 10% earn $187,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Software Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $143,000 | +$22,000 |
| New York | $139,000 | +$18,000 |
| Washington | $136,000 | +$15,000 |
| Massachusetts | $136,000 | +$15,000 |
| Texas | $119,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Software Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $151,000 | +$30,000 |
| New York | $143,000 | +$22,000 |
| Seattle | $138,000 | +$17,000 |
| Boston | $136,000 | +$15,000 |
| Austin | $125,000 | +$4,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Software Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Software Engineer from entry level to expert.
$75,000
0-2 years
$123,000
3-7 years
$171,000
8-14 years
$203,000
15+ years
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Software Engineer Salary FAQ
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